Canon U.S.A., Inc. is
introducing the first interchangeable lens with optical image
stabilization designated specifically for EOS SLR cameras. The Canon EF
75-300mm f/4-5.6IS USM lens uses gyro sensors and a counteracting,
image-stabilizing lens group moving in parallel to achieve this
milestone in imaging technology. Until now, this technology was
available only in Canon 8mm camcorders, dedicated lenses for its L2 Hi-8
camcorder and its 12 x 36 IS binoculars.

The new lens allows photographers to extend hand-held exposure
range by up to two EV steps, allowing greater mobility by avoiding the
need for a tripod. Incorporated into an EF lens for the first time, a
high-speed, 16-bit microcomputer is used to control the image
stabilizing feature, autofocusing and the aperture. When the image
stabilizer is turned off, a center-locking mechanism locks the image
stabilizing lens-group in place.

"Canon's new Image Stabilizing lens for EOS System cameras
illustrates the company's commitment to offer the most advanced imaging
technology to photographers to help them realize their visions through
photography," said Hank Maeda, vice president and general manager for
Canon's Camera Division. "We feel we have developed a lens that will
answer the needs of thousands of photographers worldwide," Mr. Maeda
explained.

The new image stabilizing lens dramatically reduces the risk of
getting blurred images, especially when shooting at long focal lengths
with slow shutter speeds. The traditional rule for preventing blurred
images when photographing at long focal lengths is that the shutter
speed should be set faster than the reciprocal focal length in use. For
example, using a focal length of 200mm, it is recommended to use a
shutter speed of 1/250 second or faster to achieve sharp results. In
many cases, photographers are forced to reduce the depth-of-field to
gain a faster shutter speed or to use a tripod in situations where its
use can become quite cumbersome.

The EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 Image Stabilizing lens allows photographers
to hand-hold the camera using long focal length lenses up to two stops
beyond the "focal length = shutter speed" formula. Photographers can
now enjoy shooting at a 200mm focal length hand-held at 1/60 second.
This process is attributed to a 16-bit micro-computer which controls a
series of gyro sensors and micro-motors designed to shift one of the
lens groups to compensate for camera shake. The Image Stabilizing
feature can be activated and deactivated using a switch located on the
lens barrel. The stabilizing effect can actually be viewed through the
viewfinder.

Powered by Canon's exclusive Ultrasonic (USM) motor for
autofocusing, the lens is silent and very quick to focus, even in low-
light conditions. The powerful 4:1 zoom ratio makes it an ideal lens
for a number of shooting situations including sports, portraits,
landscapes and photojournalism. Extended to its maximum focal length,
the lens provides a magnification of 0.25x making it a good choice for
close-ups. The new lens also uses environmentally-safe lead-free glass
throughout the lens' optical system.